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Everything is better around a campfire (or, as I call it, “caveman TV”). It creates a sense of calm and unity with the people around you. Oh, and food definitely tastes better when cooked over an open fire!
But there are a lot of issues with making a campfire in your backyard or even when camping out. That’s where portable fire pits come into play.
They make it possible to safely get a fire going virtually anywhere without worrying about making a fire ring or digging a pit. Some even have features like spark screens that allow them to be used when there is a burn ban.
Below are 8 of the best picks for both camping and backyard use. We’ve also got a handy guide on what to look for when choosing a portable fire pit.
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Solo Stove is a cool company that makes gorgeous stoves and portable cylinder-type fire pits.
The Solo Stove stands out because it has a double-wall construction. Airflow holes at the bottom feed the fire inside the cylinder. You get a really good flame without having to use up too much fuel.
The company also makes other sizes of this portable fire pit, including very small ones which can be used as stoves. The Bonfire is large enough for a group of friends to sit around but still small enough to be portable.
Why it’s awesome: Cool-looking pit that makes an efficient fire
This folding portable fire pit is one of the best budget options. For such a cheap fire pit, it has a great design. You can completely fold down the legs and put it in a carrying case. This makes it very easy to transport and set up.
It’s more of a table shape than a bowl, so it will get filled with embers if you try to use it for a long time. Only use small/medium sticks with it and not logs.
The fire pit has a screen lift tool, wood grate, cooking grill, and carrying bag.
Why it’s awesome: It’s a simple, low-budget, and easy to transport
This is one of the most popular products because it comes in such cool designs; the bowl has cutouts of stars and moons or wildlife animals.
Note that if you want to use coal, you should put a layer of sand at the bottom of the bowl. This will make it easier to clean. The sand also protects the bottom of the pit from corrosion.
Because it is pretty heavy and it’s recommended to use sand with it, this is a better option for home use. However, if you don’t mind lugging 32lbs out of your car, you can also bring it camping.
Why it’s awesome: Beautiful design!
The Biolite is loaded with insane features. Fifty-one air jets inject the fire with oxygen to keep it burning (no smoke here!).
It is super-efficient. You can control the airspeed to make a huge fire or one that burns slowly – up to 24-hour burn time.
The fire pit even has Bluetooth! You can control the fire size with your phone, meaning you don’t even have to get up from your seat.
And then there are the standard features, like having folding legs for portability, a grill grate, and 360-degree mesh for good viewing.
Why it’s awesome: Bluetooth-connected and USB-powered fans!
Here is a great, basic option that is truly portable. The table has legs that pop up/down in seconds and weighs just 8lbs. You can easily fit this in your car for camping. Or keep it in your garage for when you want to use it at home.
The manufacturers even claim that it cools down in 90 seconds (realistically, you’ll have to wait around 15 minutes before handling).
The downside is that it doesn’t have any spark screen. You’ll be able to enjoy the fire unhindered but have to pay more attention to safety.
You also don’t get a grill with this, so you’ll have to use sticks if you want to cook over the fire.
Why it’s awesome: The most lightweight option here
As far as portable propane fire pits go, this one by Outland is very popular. First off, the price is affordable. It is also designed well so you can easily transport it and clean it up without making a mess.
Another important feature is that it is CSU-approved, meaning you can use it almost anywhere – including in places with burn bans (always check first, though).
So, while propane might not be the most travel-friendly option for campfires, it’s worth bringing the extra weight to be able to make a fire anywhere.
Why it’s awesome: CSU approved for use during most fire bans
This is an entirely different option for a portable campfire (not exactly a fire pit, but it does the same job).
Of course, the downside is that these have a limited life. Once you burn out the wax, you’ll have to buy another. However, as far as convenience goes, this is the easiest portable campfire to use and take with you.
It makes no smoke or sparks and is hot enough to roast marshmallows.
Why it’s awesome: Easy, instant campfire
In many places I go camping, there is no need to bring along a portable fire pit. I just gather rocks to make a fire ring to contain the fire Or, on the beach, you can easily dig a hole in the sand to contain the fire.
However, sparks can easily jump out of these improvised fire rings or pits. This is particularly dangerous in dry areas prone to wildfires.
Plus, many people don’t know how to make a campfire properly. As a result, many campgrounds and national parks require you to have an approved fire pit if you want to make a fire.
A permanent fire pit can be a great focal point for your yard, but it isn’t always practical. They are a pain to move around and do require maintenance. You’ll have to clean out leaves and debris from a permanent pit each time you want to use it. On top of that, many cities have ordinances that limit options or permanent fire pits.
It’s much easier (not to mention cheaper) to get a portable one instead of installing and maintaining a permanent fire pit.
Before you buy one for use in your backyard, make sure you check local regulations first. Most municipalities do allow “recreational fires,” but there are rules you have to follow.
For example, one town in Colorado sets these regulations:
Note: Your town might have very different regulations, so check them first! If you can’t find the regulations online, then call your local fire department.
Most National and State Parks provide fire pits with grilling surfaces. Not all do, though; they will likely have strict rules about the types allowed. Regulations vary, but the strictest campsites (like Disney) will likely require:
After regulations, this is the most important thing to consider. Some are heavy and bulky. It will be difficult to carry out each time you want to use it, especially if you have a bad back!).
The more annoying it is to carry, the less likely you will use it. If you struggle to carry heavy things, get a small option or one on wheels.
It may not seem so important, but the shape will change how it works. You have three main options:
Bowls:
Tables:
Cylinder Shape:
Fire pits come in many materials. However, a lot of these aren’t suitable for anything portable. For example, cast iron is gorgeous – but way too heavy to be moved. So, you’ll likely want to choose one of these materials:
Spark screens are a great safety feature and may be required by certain cities or campsites. Most fire pits have removable spark screens, which look like domes you put over the fire. However, some have fixed spark screens. To light the fire, you will have to open a little door.
If you want to roast something on the fire, make sure the spark screen is removable. It’s virtually impossible to roast anything through the door!
You have two choices: wood/charcoal or gas/propane. Gas/propane pits allow you to have an instant fire and are easier to clean up. However, you won’t get the crackle or smell of a wood fire. Nor do gas fires get as hot as wood fires.
Note that some wood portable fire pits cannot also burn charcoal. It depends on the material and design. So, be sure to read carefully before assuming you’ll be able to use charcoal.
The choice is personal preference and will be influenced by where/how you will use it. For example, I prefer wood fire pits, but I only go camping in places with plenty of wood.
If I were mainly using it in my backyard (not much wood!), then I would go for propane.
Here are some of the accessories you might need. Check to see whether they come bundled or if you need to buy them separately.
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